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engaging your mind and bodyinnew ways. Here are afew tipsfora Protect your body by getting the appropriate footwear. Depending onthe trailsyou choose, anew pairofrunning kicksmightbeinorder. GET THERIGHTGEAR. gaze willhelp you strategize anapproach to these obstaclesand keep you onyour feet. feet uponthe trailto clearrocks, roots and branches thatcross your path.Anactive throughout the year canprovide anew challenge eachseason.Remember to pickyour The varying terrainkeeps trail running interesting. Running the same course KEEP YOUR EYES AND FEETUP. can move. Don’t bediscouragedifyou’re putting infewer milesorslowing your pace. expectations. Running onuneven, naturaltrailswillimpacthow farand how fastyou As you transitionfrom paved-surface running, beopen-minded aboutyour ADJUST EXPECTATIONS. Trail running canelevate your dailyworkout, successful introduction to trailrunning. Valley ViewFoundation |Photo by: Valley View Foundation 35 HIKING FIND YOUR PLACE HIKING in aure

Twenty miles of spectacular trails winding along forests, ﬁelds, streams, and ponds.

4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150 www.CincyNature.org 36 One of myfavorite things to do isto getup entirely in Indiana. also home to Lake Monroe, the largest lake farmers before the Great Depression. The area is left over from when the area was inhabited by to hiddenruinsand hundred-year-old cemeteries leading trails unofficial of miles more many and encompassesacres 12,000 with 57 miles of trails Charles C. Deam Wilderness. The latter also home to Indiana’s only wilderness area, the recreation, with 266 miles of trail to explore. It’s but the Hoosier NF provides acres203,000 open to I wouldn’t have guessed there was anything too terribly exciting hiding in Indiana, Indiana. Stay withme here … about is the Hoosier National Forest out in time. Somewhere I never hear anyone talking and Red River Gorge down in Kentucky allthe talking about Hocking Hills here in Ohio often The Tri-State area has some beautiful driveplaces away. just a short I hear people Photo by: U.S.Forest Service GEM A HIDDEN By BenShaw River Gorge orpaddling downthe Little Miami. Red in trails the on him into run might You 2020. in country thearound differentjourneys for plans has and 2021 of summer the in Trail Crest Pacific a mechanical engineer. He plans to hike the you onthe trail! see to Hope out. it check definitely chance, a Trustget me when I say this: Hoosier NF holds way more awesome hiking on top ofthis, so if you the stars. camp near the lake shore and enjoy a night under the car. Or if you’re a backpacker, you can set up side of the water, you can begin the hike back to boats goby. to setonthe Asthe sunstarts other other and fishers watching andwater, swimming where you can sit and enjoy the day along the 4-mile hike out to the shore of Lake Monroe, Branch Trailhead. From there it’s amoderate early onaSaturday and head west to the Axsom Ben Shaw works in the Cincinnati Area as 37 HIKING 38 HIKING trailhead islocated near acanoe/kayak Joan Trail:Jones Portman 1.4-milepath. openings onthisshort species. Hike through woodedtrailsto prairie this prairie is home tostart, rare, native plant place where the Edge of Appalachia got its E. LucyBraun Lynx Prairie Preserve: miles oftrailsto explore here. the Buzzardroost Rock Preserve. There are 4.4 the Ohio Brush Creek valley from the cliffs of Rock Preserve: Take in the incredible views of Christian and Emma Goetz Buzzardroost loop. species at Edge of Appalachiaon this 2.5-mile Trek through the richest collection of plant Charles A. Eulett Wilderness Preserve Trail: www.cincymuseum.org/nature) these trails at the Edge. National Natural Landmarks. Explore one of system, fourhave been recognized as Edge of Appalachia. Of the 11 preserves in the collection of nature preserves, known as the hardwood forest and prairie across a miles east of Cincinnati acressits 20,000 of Discover one of the most biodiverse greenspaces in our region! drive 75 A short EDGE OFAPPALACHIA PRESERVE SYSTEM ADVENTURES Take aquicksojournoutofthe cityto enjoy these favorite WEEKEND mp aalbe at available (maps

HIKING weekend hikes inourregion. This 1.6-mile The

Crosley Lake onthe Edge Trail. RoweWoods is Geology Trail or meander around Powel Workout your legs on the 200+ stair region.steps on the the best the the in of walk blooms some wildflower see springtime, to Trail the Wildflower In difficult. are 14 to choose from, ranging from easy to there -- adventure your fits best that trail the on the over acres1,000 at Rowe Woods. Find Rowe Woods: www.cincynature.org access to “members venues. only” membership to save money and broaden your the Nature Center, consider purchasing a admissions fee. If you want to regularly enjoy The Cincinnati Nature Center charges a daily beautifully maintained greenspace. across running streams on 1,700 acres of the At tranquil forests and wander winding trails other. no like Cincinnati Nature Center you can step into place Venture to Clermont County, Ohio and a find you’ll CINCINNATI NATURE CENTER the view. on the Joan TrailJones Portman and take in taking a paddle after your hike to the lookout access to the Ohio Brush Creek. Consider Exploration is almost endless Cincinnati Nature Center| Photo by: Cincinnati Nature Center quickly become dangerous when visitors ignore the trails -- while the cliffsare gorgeous, they can hiking. Be sure to exercise caution and stay on jaw-dropping backdrop for a day (or more) of region this to flock for good reason: Its arches and cliffs areCincinnatians a Greater approximately two hours south of Cincinnati, and DANIEL BOONE NATIONAL FOREST and moderate trailsatthisexclusive spot. easy of miles five the through Trek Milford. from forest and farmland in Goshen, just nine miles Longbranch Farm & Trails offers 767 acres of Longbranch Farm & Trails: Open only to members, Nature Center. attraction for kids while visiting Cincinnati discovered by young explorers. This is a must-see logs, plants, soil and water waiting to be Woods, Nature PlayScape is full ofbig boulders, unstructured play and curiosity. Located in Rowe at this playscape designed to encourage with the dogorjustsome peacefultime alone. the perfect destination for family hikes, walks Nature PlayScape: Let the little ones romp around Red River Gorge: safety protocols (and goodsense). bridge-state-resort-park https://parks.ky.gov/slade/parks/resort/natural- lodge, cabins and campsites are available. For those who wish to make a weekend ofit,a mini-golf; canoeing; kayaking and pedal boating. miles. The park also features a swimming pool; 10 trails, which range in length from .5 to 7.5 this natural bridge affords, you can hit the park’s hiking (ortaking the tosky lift)up enjoy the view park boasts long,a 78-foot 65-foothigh arch. After adjacent Park:Natural Bridge State Resort Located recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=39458 trails to create aloop. https://www.fs.usda.gov/ scenic; combineparticularly it with other nearby The two-mile (one way) Auxier Ridge Trail is arches, or tackle some of the park’s longer treks. miles each way)walks to some ofthe park’s creeks far below the cliffs. Take several (.25 short to crisscrosses this geological area, allowing hikers traverse ridgelines or descend to peaceful to Red River Gorge, this Kentucky state

A large network of trails 39 HIKING Photo by: Ken Walker, Jr.

Get ready to engage your mind and body in “the thinking sport” of orienteering. The goal is to navigate through a series of checkpoints using a map and compass to determine the most efﬁcient route. You can learn the basics of orienteering in about half an hour, but the sport offers a lifetime of HIKING practice and challenge. Great for all ages, orienteering is an ideal family activity. Give your kids a chance to explore the outdoors and burn off some energy while teaching them how to orient a map and set a compass. Think you’ve got the hang of it? Check out local orienteering events and test your speed and accuracy against other competitors. Perfect for every season, orienteering is deﬁnitely worth trying out! To get started orienteering, we suggest connecting with Orienteering ORIENTEERING Cincinnati at www.ocin.org. “THE THINKING SPORT”

OXBOW, INC. — Protec�ng and Preserving Wetlands Looking for a new outdoor adventure?

Just sixteen miles from Cincinna�, at the mouth of the Great Miami River near Lawrenceburg, IN is Oxbow, Inc., a Land Trust protec�ng the Great Miami River floodplain. 3000 acres of floodplain draw more than 290 species of birds, 470 species of vascular plants as well as mammals, fish, amphibians, and mussels. 1400 acres of unique floodplain habitat are available to explore. Bird watching, botanizing, photography, kayaking and canoeing, bicycling (gravel and dirt roads) hiking and nature walks are a few available Oxbow ac�vi�es. This important migratory bird area is open to the public. Go to www.oxbowinc.org to see maps, 40 direc�ons, sigh�ngs and upcoming programs and guided nature walks or oxbowinc on Facebook. (photo by Meg Poehlmann) Photo by: Delis Palmisano HIKING

OXBOW, INC. — Protec�ng and Preserving Wetlands Looking for a new outdoor adventure?

CREW VALLEY VIEW FOUNDATION CHOICE 790 Garfield Ave. | Milford, OH 45150 www.valleyviewcampus.org Valley View is a favorite destination of Adventure Crew for our “scavenger hike” adventures. We love exploring the wetlands, woodlands and prairie that make Valley View Just sixteen miles from Cincinna�, at the mouth of the Great Miami River near Lawrenceburg, IN is Oxbow, special. The foundation’s plant rescue program Inc., a Land Trust protec�ng the Great Miami River floodplain. 3000 acres of floodplain draw more than 290 produces thousands of pounds of fresh species of birds, 470 species of vascular plants as well as mammals, fish, amphibians, and mussels. 1400 produce each year, which is transformed into acres of unique floodplain habitat are available to explore. Bird watching, botanizing, photography, healthy meals for hungry families. Did you kayaking and canoeing, bicycling (gravel and dirt roads) hiking and nature walks are a few available Oxbow ac�vi�es. This important migratory bird area is open to the public. Go to www.oxbowinc.org to see maps, know they even grow hops? There’s lots to direc�ons, sigh�ngs and upcoming programs and guided nature walks or oxbowinc on Facebook. explore at Valley View! 41 (photo by Meg Poehlmann) OXBOW, INC. — Protec�ng and Preserving Wetlands Looking for a new outdoor adventure?

Just sixteen miles from Cincinna�, at the mouth of the Great Miami River near Lawrenceburg, IN is Oxbow, Inc., a Land Trust protec�ng the Great Miami River floodplain. 3000 acres of floodplain draw more than 290 species of birds, 470 species of vascular plants as well as mammals, fish, amphibians, and mussels. 1400 acres of unique floodplain habitat are available to explore. Bird watching, botanizing, photography, kayaking and canoeing, bicycling (gravel and dirt roads) hiking and nature walks are a few available Oxbow ac�vi�es. This important migratory bird area is open to the public. Go to www.oxbowinc.org to see maps, direc�ons, sigh�ngs and upcoming programs and guided nature walks or oxbowinc on Facebook. (photo by Meg Poehlmann)

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum Photo by: Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum HIKING URBAN TREKS THE COFFEE RUN Next time you’re craving a hot cup of joe before your weekend walk, consider this route.

START: Roebling Point Books & Coffee, 306 Greenup St., Covington

ROUTE: Across the Roebling Bridge to Smale Riverfront Park

ATTRACTIONS TO EXPLORE: On your crossing, check out the historic bridge and beautiful views of the Ohio River. In the park, there’s lots to discover. Relax on the swings, stroll through the rose gardens or check out the carousel. This is a great park for kids!

TREK THROUGH SPACE Take your urban hike far out when you explore the SPACE WALK, a to-scale model of the solar system.

START: Salway Park, Spring Grove Ave. in Northside

ROUTE: Mill Creek Greenway Trail

ATTRACTIONS TO EXPLORE: Traverse the solar system in less than a mile on this 3.5 billion: 1 scale model along the Mill Creek Greenway Trail. Fruit trees have been planted along the trail, creating an edible forest garden.

42 OXBOW, INC. — Protec�ng and Preserving Wetlands Looking for a new outdoor adventure?

Just sixteen miles from Cincinna�, at the mouth of the Great Miami River near Lawrenceburg, IN is Oxbow, Inc., a Land Trust protec�ng the Great Miami River floodplain. 3000 acres of floodplain draw more than 290 species of birds, 470 species of vascular plants as well as mammals, fish, amphibians, and mussels. 1400 acres of unique floodplain habitat are available to explore. Bird watching, botanizing, photography, kayaking and canoeing, bicycling (gravel and dirt roads) hiking and nature walks are a few available Oxbow ac�vi�es. This important migratory bird area is open to the public. Go to www.oxbowinc.org to see maps, direc�ons, sigh�ngs and upcoming programs and guided nature walks or oxbowinc on Facebook. (photo by Meg Poehlmann)

ART IN THE PARK Creative and natural beauty are nestled together in this indoor/outdoor adventure.

START: Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive HIKING ROUTE: Explore Eden Park

ATTRACTIONS TO EXPLORE: Begin your adventure by discovering the exhibits at the Cincinnati Art Museum, located within Eden Park. Pack a lunch to enjoy afterwards while you sit next to Mirror Lake. Don’t leave without taking in the gorgeous river views.

BOOK IT Bookworm meets earthworm on this urban trek in Clifton.

START: Clifton Branch Library, 3400 Brookline Ave.

ROUTE: Cross Ludlow Avenue to Burnet Woods

ATTRACTIONS TO EXPLORE: Check out a page-turner and then crack it open while you enjoy an urban oasis. In between chapters, stretch your legs on the trails. Listen closely for the healthy population of birds that reside in Burnet Woods.

A PEACEFUL STROLL Take in the historic beauty of the third-largest cemetery in the nation.

START: Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Ave.

ROUTE: Paths throughout the cemetery

ATTRACTIONS TO EXPLORE: Spring Grove Cemetery is the resting place for many well-known Cincinnati entrepreneurs, politicians and community leaders. The 40 miles of winding roads bring you past preserved woodlands and serene lakes. 43 44 HIKING scare you away. Here are some important gear some important for rainyday hikes. Don’t letthe gray HIKING INTHERAIN Photo by: RoadsRivers and Trails considerations GEAR UP, STAY DRY, KEEPTREKKING Photo by: RoadsRivers and Trails pack items in dry bags.Evenpack items in dry a thick ziplock bag can warming up with a hot chocolate, coffee or tea while will hold inmoisture and chillyou to the bone. Stick soaked, these will be alifesaver. layers Other dry are will protect the top ofyour footwearand your socks WARM BASE LAYERS: Cotton isrotten! Cotton clothes handy set oftrekking poles to increase balance and traction, too --trails will be muddy and slippery. (D) RAIN JACKET:RAIN Ahighqualityrainjacket isyour first TREKKING POLES: Similarly, avoid downinsulatedlayers. Downloses to synthetic orwool baselayers to keep you warm. warm and dry withsolidwarm and dry waterproof boots.Gaiters DRY BAGS: PACK COVER: RAIN dry with a packrain cover.dry Some day packs come on especiallysoggydays. Selectabootwith weather and your fatigue. Don’t let a mentality of EXTRA DRYEXTRA SOCKS: WATERPROOF GLOVES: WATERPROOF BOOTS AND GAITERS: Keep your feet with a cover you built in. Otherwise, can buyone help keep you warm and your grip reliable when ankle makes iteasyto take thislayer offand on inclement weather, especially if hypothermia is WATERPROOF PANTS: Apairwithazipperatthe DESTINATION DETERMINATION: you reminisce about your rainy day adventure. “finish the hike” risk your health and safety in possible. Be OK with turning around early and Don’t letyour extra clothes get soggy -- its insulating abilitywhen wet. Slick surfaces invite injury. Slick surfaces Use a (NOT) INYOUR MIND without removing your boots. Keep the contents of your pack In the off chance your feet get using your trekking poles. On colder days, gloves will IN YOUR HANDS reduce slips and falls. ON YOUR BACK ON YOUR BODY recommended, too. (F) Be mindful of the separately. (E) defense. suffice. (G) good (H) (A) (C) (B) (I) Photo by: Roads Rivers and Trails 45 HIKING Ohio's only

National Water Trail

Find Your Way www.GreatMiamiRiverway.com MOUNTAIN VIEWS

PACK FITTINGS

QUALITY BOOTS

CAMPFIRE STORIES

DEPENDABLE GEAR

EVERY EXPERT ADVICE ADVENTURE STARRY SKIES DESERVES ROADS STARRYRIVERS SKIES AND TRAILS DELICIOUS MEALS

TRIP GUIDANCE

TIME IN THE WATER

COZY SLEEP

DRY GEAR

PUBLIC LANDS

118 MAIN STREET MILFORD, OH 45150 | 513.248.7787 ROADSRIVERSANDTRAILS.COM EXCELLENT SERVICE Here, the hard edges of city life meet the grit of the outdoors. We believe adventure is riding a bike for the ﬁrst time, or feeling mud shift under your boots, or falling over your skis. Nowhere else can you ﬁnd this precise mixture of adrenaline and peace.

Through ADVENTURE CREW, city teens develop the COURAGEOUS SPIRIT to step out of their COMFORT ZONE and discover new worlds -- OUTSIDE in nature, and INSIDE themselves. This deep connection to nature will CHANGE THE COURSE of their lives -- no matter what ENVIRONMENT they’re in. Adventure Crew is a 501(c)3 that regularly connects a roster of almost 1,000 city teens across 24 schools to the great outdoors. Adventures are offered monthly and at no cost to students. Through Adventure Crew, city youth are immersed in the physical, mental, and social beneﬁts of time spent in nature.

CONNECT WITH THE CREW ONLINE W: adventurecrew.org FB: @AdventureCrewCincinnati IG: @AdventureCrewCincy

“WHEN I’M OUT IN NATURE WITH ADVENTURE CREW I FEEL FREE AND AT PEACE.”